Mike Hatfield
As Director of Advancement, Mike is responsible for sustaining and advancing the mission of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center through fundraising that helps donors make a transformational impact in the life of college students. Hatfield’s responsibilities with SJCNC focus on revenue and reputation, which includes a) coordinating a sustainable annual fund giving program (The Chaplain’s Fund) in order to meet the immediate needs of the student ministry programs, b) funding related to upkeep/repairs on the SJCNC “campus”, including the original St John’s Chapel and Newman Hall dorm that was built in the 1920’s, and c) SJCNC sponsorships, naming rights, and endowment programs to provide funding in perpetuity.
With over 40 years of experience on college campuses, Mike Hatfield brings a diverse background to St John’s Catholic Newman Center. No stranger to SJCNC, Hatfield is a St John’s alum from his days at Parkland College in the mid 1970’s and long-time friend and colleague of former SJCNC Director and UI Football Team Chaplain – the late Msgr Edward J Duncan. Hatfield’s professional experiences through the years have focused on providing support for college students in order for them to have the best opportunities available in order to attain their goals and prepare for life after college. That history of support has been in the form of coaching, training, counseling, advising, educating, and allocating resources….along with raising monies for scholarships, academic support services, sports medicine programs, facilities, and ministry programs. A native of Hoopeston, IL (St Anthony), Hatfield graduated from Parkland College and then earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Eastern Illinois University. He was a member of the EIU NCAA National Championship cross country team, earned All-America honors in track & field, and lead the nation with the #1 collegiate division time in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Hatfield is a member of three Athletic Hall of Fames: Hoopeston Area High School, Parkland College, and Eastern Illinois University…and in 2019, was awarded an Honorary “Varsity I” Award from the University of Illinois. He started his professional career at Cal-State Fullerton, and has now served on the UI campus for almost 40 years. His roles have included Academic Counselor for the Fighting Illini football and men’s basketball teams, Director of the Athletic Ticket Office, both Assistant and Associate Director of Development, and Executive Director of the Varsity I Association.
Hatfield’s community support, philanthropic interests, and memberships have included: The St Vincent DePaul Society, St Matthew Parish, Sons of the American Legion, the HS of St Thomas More, Champaign Elks, Fighting Illini I FUND, EIU Panther Club, Illinois State Redbird Club, Parkland College Foundation, Parkland College Alumni Association, The United Way, Crisis Nursery, US Olympic Committee, Illinois Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, Camp Out for Kids, Cornjerker Sports Boosters, The Illinois Farm Bureau and The Chaplain’s Fund at St John’s Catholic Newman Center. He and his wife Carol (’78 UI alum) are members of St Matthew Parish in Champaign, where Carol taught for over 20 years. They have 2 children - Angie (Dan) Marker (’03 UI alum) and Nic Hatfield (’10 EIU alum), along with grandsons Johnny and Dean Marker -and reside in Champaign.
Ask me about:
- How your gift makes a difference in the life of a student,
- How to join us in our great Works in Progress
- Two Rose Bowls and two Final Fours...Wait, what?!
The best part of my job is: when an alum realizes that their first gift back doesn't have to be their biggest gift.
Helping build on the recent and sustained successes that have been taking place at 6th and Armory for 85+ years is truly an honor. This place has phenomenal upside potential because of the volume of alumni who experienced defining moments at both St John’s Chapel and Newman Hall. When our alumni realize this place really did shape their lives, it is very satisfying to be able to help facilitate a “give back” plan. Since the leadership teams at both the Diocesan and SJCNC levels are strong, and the history here lends itself to having a bright future – I know of no reason we cannot provide critical support for the next generation of SJCNC alumni.
When I'm not at work you'll find me: sweating...so I can enjoy my next glass of Silver Oak.
